A Story Of River by Lana Axe

back to the palace. He
can inform our generals of the new threat.”
    “And he isn't much fun as a traveling
companion anyway,” Mi'tal added with a grin.
    “There is that as well,” the king agreed.

Chapter 19

 
    Dawn fell over Duana, bringing with it a
pink summer sky. The air was already hot and thick. Roosters were crowing while
merchants once again began reopening their shops. The previous day's events
were all but forgotten as the citizens strove to go about their daily lives.
    Mel and Thinal headed out of the inn to
meet up with their group. Thinal wished there was time for another glass of
tea, but Mi'tal had been adamant when he informed them to be ready to leave at
dawn. She wondered how many days it would take before they reached the Vale.
    Arriving at the meeting point at the edge
of the woods, they were spied by Mi'tal. “Good morning,” he said cheerfully.
    “Ah,” said Aelryk, peeking around his
horse. “Good morning. I'd like a word with you both before we set out.”
    Mel ignored him, went over to his horse,
and began placing items into a saddlebag.
    “He's not much of a morning person,”
Thinal said apologetically.
    “I can tell he's quite obstinate,” Aelryk
replied. “I hope that won't pose a problem in our travels. We do need his
help.”
    “Yes, you do. I'm no tracker, and it
doesn't appear you've brought any other archers with you.”
    “Tell me, my lady. What do you know about
the Vale?”
    “Just what I've heard in fairy tales,
majesty,” she giggled a little. “I never even dreamed the place actually
existed. The legends say it is home to Mistonwey, one of the gods our people
worshipped in ancient times. We still revere all of nature, of course, but we
don't actually believe the old gods exist. I wouldn't mind meeting one, though,
if it's actually there.”
    “I don't think we're going to be finding any
gods,” he replied. “As a matter of fact, I'm going to find a river.”
    “Well, the Blue River is the largest, and
the Vale supposedly lies on the distant bank. How do you plan to cross it?”
    “I'm not entirely sure.”
    “It's always nice to travel prepared,” Mel
interjected as he moved to stand next to Thinal.
    “You're our guide, Mel,” Thinal said. “How
do we cross the river?”
    “Build a raft,” he replied.
    “Problem solved then,” Aelryk said.
    Mel looked at the king and asked, “Are all of these people coming with us? We need to move light.”
    “I think you should take a small army with
you, your majesty,” Loren offered.
    “A big group is going to stand out and
make an easy target. We should try not to draw attention to ourselves,” Mi'tal
chimed in.
    “I'm inclined to agree,” Aelryk responded.
    “Good,” Mel said. “Now we just have the
thunder of steel boots and horses galloping to ruin any chance at stealth.”
    “We cannot walk there, master elf,” Aelryk
said. “It is a seven day journey on horseback, and I will not bear any delays.”
    “Majesty, I can offer some assistance in
covering our noise and tracks,” Court Mage Willdor said. “I am bringing a good
supply of potions to provide you with ample magical assistance.”
    “Let's hope that's enough, then,” Mi'tal
replied. “Who will be travelling with us, your majesty?”
    “Loren, you will head back to the palace
with two guards of your choosing. The rest of my guards will remain here in
Duana to provide protection to my people. Mi'tal, Willdor, Morek, and Utric are
with me.”
    “My apprentice-,” Utric began.
    “Is too young and unable to fight for
himself,” Aelryk finished. “You are also unable to fight, and we do not need
more people to look after. Send him back to the palace with your information on
the spiders.”
    “Yes, my lord,” he replied without
arguing.
    “Mel, do you know how to find the Vale?”
Mi'tal asked.
    “I think it's at the end of a rainbow or
something,” he replied sarcastically. “I can get you to the place where it
supposedly